I was trying to rehabilitate myself when the chasseur brought me a telegram.

I asked permission to open it, and stepped aside.
The words of the telegram were like a ringing box on the ears.
"Tell me immediately why Lola has joined you in Algiers.

--KYNNERSLEY." Not "Dale," mark you, as he has signed himself ever since I knew him in Eton collars, but "Kynnersley." Why has Lola joined you?
Why have you run off with Lola?
What's the reason of this treacherous abduction?
Account for yourself immediately.

Stand and deliver.

I stood there gaping at the words like an idiot, my blood tingling at the implied accusation.